On the evening of Thursday, December 5, 2024, a tragic shooting claimed the life of 41-year-old Charles Primes near the intersection of 27th and Polk Streets in South Omaha, Nebraska. Responding officers arrived at the scene shortly after receiving a report of gunfire in the area at approximately 8 p.m. They discovered Primes suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate emergency efforts, Primes was pronounced dead at the scene. The Omaha Police Department has since launched a homicide investigation into the incident, with detectives working to determine the circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting.
The details of what transpired remain unclear, and the Omaha Police Department has yet to release information regarding potential suspects or motives behind the shooting. Investigators have urged anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing justice to Primes and his grieving family. Police have provided multiple avenues for the public to assist, including reaching out to the Omaha Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 402-444-5656 or submitting tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 402-444-STOP. To encourage leads, a reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
The shooting has left South Omaha residents deeply shaken, as violent crimes in the area are a painful reminder of the challenges facing the community. Witnesses and nearby residents described hearing gunshots and, in some cases, seeing individuals fleeing the scene, but accounts have varied. Police are actively canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and homes to piece together the events that unfolded.
Charles Primes was a well-known figure in the community, remembered by those who knew him as a compassionate and hardworking individual who prioritized his family and friends. Primes was a father of three, with two teenage daughters and a young son. He worked as a construction laborer and was known for his dedication to providing for his children. Friends and family have expressed profound grief and shock at his untimely death. “Charles was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back,” said long-time friend Andre Martin. “He was a good man with a big heart, and it’s devastating to know that someone could take his life like this.”
Primes’ mother, Diane Primes, shared her heartbreak in an emotional statement. “My son didn’t deserve this,” she said. “He was a father, a son, and a brother who meant everything to us. Whoever did this took away a piece of our family that we can never get back. I just pray that the police find whoever is responsible and that justice is served.”
South Omaha is a diverse and vibrant community, but it has grappled with issues of crime and violence over the years. Thursday night’s shooting has reignited conversations about the root causes of violence in the area and the urgent need for solutions. Local leaders have called for increased community engagement and resources to address issues such as poverty, access to education, and job opportunities, which they believe contribute to the cycle of crime.
Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert expressed condolences to the Primes family and reiterated the city’s commitment to reducing violent crime. “The loss of life due to senseless violence is a tragedy that affects our entire community,” Stothert said in a statement. “We are working with law enforcement and community organizations to address the factors that contribute to these incidents and to ensure that Omaha is a safe place for all residents.”
The Omaha Police Department has increased patrols in the area and is working with local organizations to foster trust and cooperation with residents. Police Chief Todd Schmaderer emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving violent crimes. “We cannot do this alone,” Schmaderer said. “We rely on the eyes and ears of our community to help us bring justice to victims and their families. If you know something, please come forward.”
This incident marks the latest in a series of shootings in Omaha in recent months, underscoring the persistent challenges of addressing gun violence in the city. Data from the Omaha Police Department indicates that while overall crime rates have decreased in some areas, incidents involving firearms remain a significant concern. Advocacy groups have called for comprehensive measures to tackle gun violence, including stricter gun control laws, enhanced mental health services, and community-based violence intervention programs.
The tragedy of Charles Primes’ death has resonated beyond his immediate circle of family and friends, with local organizations offering support to those impacted. The Heartland Family Service, a nonprofit organization specializing in trauma and crisis intervention, has made counselors available to help members of the community process their grief. Additionally, a candlelight vigil is being planned to honor Primes’ memory and to stand in solidarity against violence in the community.
The broader implications of this shooting reflect a national struggle with gun violence, which continues to claim thousands of lives each year across the United States. According to the Gun Violence Archive, over 38,000 people have lost their lives to gun-related incidents in 2024, a stark reminder of the toll such violence takes on families and communities. Advocates for gun reform argue that tragedies like the one in South Omaha highlight the urgent need for policy changes to address the proliferation of firearms and to strengthen background checks, close loopholes, and invest in violence prevention programs.
At the same time, others argue that addressing violence requires a holistic approach that includes tackling the underlying socio-economic conditions that contribute to crime. Local pastor and community leader Reverend James Hayes emphasized the importance of unity and proactive measures. “We can’t just mourn after these tragedies,” Hayes said. “We need to come together as a community to demand change, to support our young people, and to create opportunities that lead them away from violence.”
As the investigation into Charles Primes’ death continues, his family and the community remain hopeful that justice will be served. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the family with funeral expenses and to provide support for his children in the wake of their loss. The campaign has already garnered significant contributions from friends, neighbors, and even strangers moved by the tragedy.
The coming days will be critical as investigators work to unravel the circumstances surrounding the shooting and as South Omaha grapples with the emotional aftermath of losing yet another community member to violence. As the city mourns, the call for action grows louder, echoing the sentiments of a community determined to honor Charles Primes’ memory by striving for a future free from violence.
